Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st ODI

That's all we have for you from here. Hope you have enjoyed our coverage. Do join us again for the second ODI on Saturday. Until then it's goodbye from all of us here....

Misbah: The conditions were difficult for batting today, but Hafeez played really well and I am happy to register a win. This is a tricky wicket and it's tough to make a decision whether to bat first or bowl first. In the end it was a good toss to lose. As always our bowlers are really bowling well at the moment and that has helped us. We would like to improve on our fielding as we were bad on the field today.

Mahela: We didn't put up a decent total. 190-200 would have been a challenging total. Pak bowlers bowled well initially and we didn't bat well. The rain delays also didn't help our cause today. We are repeating the same mistakes we did in Australia and we would like to play better cricket in the next match.

Umar Gul is the Man of the Match: First of all I would like to thank the almighty. I am happy with my performance today. This is a lucky ground for me as I took 5 wickets in the World Cup also. Our fielding was bad today and we would like to improve on that.

A clinical performance has helped Pakistan win this match by 6 wickets. Chasing a low total, they lost Azhar Ali and Younis early, but Hafeez and Misbah held the innings together with a fifty plus stand, which was instrumental in their win today. With this win, Pakistan have now won 9 of their past 11 ODIs against Sri Lanka. This match also will be remembered as one of the longest matches played as it was interrupted thrice by rain today and not many overs were reduced. Sri Lanka's batting let them down and they will hope to put up a much better performance in the next ODI. Stay tuned for the presentation...

34.1 Thissara Perera to Shahid Afridi, 1 run, there is the winning run, shortish delivery on the stumps, Shahid Afridi works it to short mid wicket and completes the victory, an easy one for the visitors

33.6 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Umar Akmal plunges forward and defends it solidly

33.5 Herath to Shahid Afridi, 1 run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Shahid Afridi punches it down to long on, he's off the mark

33.4 Herath to Shahid Afridi, no run, how did that miss the stumps? The arm ball from wide of the crease, Shahid Afridi was playing for the away turn and misses it completely, the ball just missed the stumps

33.3 Herath to Shahid Afridi, no run, flatter delivery outside off, Shahid Afridi plays it to the off side

Shahid Afridi, right handed bat, comes to the crease

33.2 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, out Misbah-ul-Haq Run Out!! Needless wicket when you need only 2 runs to win, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq comes down the track and hits it straight to Mathews at mid off, there was never a single there, but Misbah-ul-Haq charges in, Umar Akmal sends him back, but he was almost half way down the track, Mathews fires in an accurate throw at the striker's end, but Misbah turned back quickly and even dishes out a full length dive, but he was way short of the crease. Misbah-ul-Haq run out (Mathews/Sangakkara) 30(79) [4s-4]

Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Misbah is run out here, suicidal stuff from the skipper

33.1 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it back to the bowler

Rangana Herath [5.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack

32.6 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, no run, angling in from a length, Umar Akmal pushes forward and defends it solidly

32.5 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, FOUR, little bit of rain in the air now, but Umar Akmal has decided to finish things off early here, slightly short outside off, Umar Akmal picks the length early and pulls it powerfully to deep midwicket fence

32.4 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, leg byes, 1 run, nips back in sharply from outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq is beaten by the sharp movement and they sneak a leg bye

32.3 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, angling in from outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it to the off side

32.1 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, fullish delivery on off, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it down to mid on

Thissara Perera [5.0-0-26-0] is back into the attack

31.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, pitched up delivery on off, Umar Akmal strokes it down to mid off

31.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, full and tailing in late, Umar Akmal plays it towards square leg

31.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, angling in from outside off, Umar Akmal works it towards the leg side

31.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, FOUR, lovely shot from Umar Akmal, shot of the day so far, overpitched and in the slot, Umar Akmal leans onto it and creams it off the front foot to deep extra cover fence, no one moved!

31.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, tailing in from outside off, Umar Akmal pushes it to covers

31.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, 2 runs, fullish delivery just outside off, Umar Akmal gets across and flicks it to deep mid wicket, he didn't time it well, but did well to hit it in the gap

30.6 Malinga to Umar Akmal, 1 run, slower full-toss on the stumps, Umar Akmal plays it to mid on for a quick single

30.6 Malinga to Umar Akmal, no ball, another sharp bouncer outside off, far too high over the batsmen, no ball signalled, no free hit though

30.5 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, 3 runs, he misses the yorker and serves him a juicy half-volley on middle, Misbah-ul-Haq wrists it off his pads to deep mid wicket, he had timed it well and Mathews chases it well to restrict them for 3 only

30.4 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, sharp bouncer on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq ducks under it

30.3 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, cracking shot from Misbah! Short and wide outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall, gets on top of it and smashes a cut shot to deep backward point, it went right of the meat of the bat and raced away at the rate of knots

30.2 Malinga to Umar Akmal, 1 run, banged in short on the stumps, Umar Akmal works it to square leg, he wanted the second run, but Misbah-ul-Haq sends him back

30.1 Malinga to Umar Akmal, no run, shortish delivery outside off, Umar Akmal hangs his bat out to dry and the ball takes the outside edge towards the first slip

Lasith Malinga [6.0-2-14-1] is back into the attack

29.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, 1 run, angling into the pads, Umar Akmal works it away to fine leg

29.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, there's the outside edge, but it doesn't carry to first slip, fullish delivery just outside off, this one holds it's line a bit, Umar Akmal is squared up and gets an outside edge

29.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Umar Akmal, no run, tailing in late from outside off, Umar Akmal strokes it towards mid off

29.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, full and tailing in, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it to mid on for a quick single

29.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, this one keeps a shade low outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through

29.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, the big inswinger from Kula, Misbah-ul-Haq was surprised by the late movement and is struck on the pads, that was going down though

Nuwan Kulasekara [7.0-3-21-1] is back into the attack

28.6 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, angling in from outside off, Umar Akmal pushes it towards mid off

28.5 Mathews to Umar Akmal, FOUR, four more to Umar Akmal, too short and wide outside off, it's meat and drink for Umar Akmal and he cuts it effortlessly in the air over the fielder to deep backward point

28.4 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, fullish delivery on middle, Umar Akmal plays it towards the leg side

28.3 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, much fuller and this one comes back in a bit, Umar Akmal gets forward and shoulders arms

28.2 Mathews to Umar Akmal, FOUR, plenty of width from Mathews and he's latched onto it in a flash, slightly short outside off, Umar Akmal transfers his weight onto the back foot and carves it away to sweeper cover

28.1 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, brilliant delivery from Mathews, the ball is still swinging, just outside off and moving away, Umar Akmal plays inside the line and is beaten all ends up

Drinks are on the field now

27.6 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, angling in from outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq carefully defends it to the off side

27.4 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, 1 run, shortish delivery on the stumps, Umar Akmal works it to mid wicket

27.3 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, FOUR, not quite timed it, but still he gets four for it, banged in short on the stumps, Umar Akmal flat-bats it to deep mid wicket, no protection in the deep and it races away to the fence

27.2 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, fullish delivery on off, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it to mid off for a quick single

27.1 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, fullish delivery on off, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it to covers

26.6 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, short again and well directed on the body, Umar Akmal taps it towards point and looks for a single, but sent back

26.5 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, banged in short outside off, Umar Akmal stands tall and defends it to the off side

26.4 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, slightly short outside off, punched off the back foot straight to the fielder at covers

26.3 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, this one goes the other way, Umar Akmal is happy to let that go through

26.2 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, real beauty from Mathews, but well left by Umar Akmal, lands it on a length and this one nips back in sharply

26.2 Mathews to Umar Akmal, wide, trifle short and angling down the leg side, wide signalled, lots of extras in this match

26.1 Mathews to Umar Akmal, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot to mid off

25.6 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, 3 runs, still on the shorter side, Umar Akmal stays back and whips it off his hips to deep square leg, aggressive running gives them three

25.5 Thissara Perera to Umar Akmal, no run, short and wide outside off, Umar Akmal cuts it straight to the fielder at point

23.5 Herath to Umar Akmal, FOUR, loose delivery from Herath, way too short on the stumps, Umar Akmal picks the length early, rocks back and pulls it effortlessly to deep mid wicket

23.4 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, well flighted on the stumps, Umar Akmal plunges forward and defends it

23.3 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, the arm ball from Herath, Umar Akmal was playing for the turn, but had a good stride forward, he's trapped on the pads, huge appeal is turned down, may be the stride must have saved him

23.2 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, tossed up delivery outside off, Umar Akmal pushes it to the off side

23.1 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Umar Akmal plays it back to the bowler

22.6 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and angling in, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it towards covers

22.5 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, leg byes, FOUR, slightly offline from Malinga, angling well down the leg side, Misbah-ul-Haq misses out on that, but the ball brushes his pads and races away to fine leg

22.4 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, fuller length delivery on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it straight down the track, Malinga gets some hand to it

22.3 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and angling away, Misbah-ul-Haq gets forward and angles it towards gully

20.6 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, excellent over from Malinga, bang on target, Misbah-ul-Haq stays back and defends it down on the track

20.5 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, slightly short just outside off, lovely line from Malinga, Misbah-ul-Haq watchfully pushes it towards covers

20.4 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length and around the off stump, cramping him for any room, Misbah-ul-Haq gets right behind the line and defends it

20.3 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, fuller length delivery on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq plays it towards the leg side

20.2 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, much fuller and attacking the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq stays back and blocks it to the off side

20.1 Malinga to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, starts off with a length delivery outside off and it moves away slightly, Misbah-ul-Haq leaves it alone

Lasith Malinga [4.0-1-13-1] is back into the attack

19.6 Herath to Umar Akmal, no run, tossed up delivery on the stumps, Umar Akmal presses forward and defends it to the off side

Umar Akmal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

19.5 Herath to Hafeez, out Stumped!! Excellent delivery from Herath, pitches it just outside off and gets it to turn away, Hafeez was drawn forward, but was beaten by the extra turn and he drags his foot out a bit in the process, Sanga was swift enough to whip the bails and Hafeez has to go as his foot was just on the line, important breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Hafeez st Sangakkara b Herath 37(57) [4s-5 6s-1]

Herath to Hafeez, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

Third umpire is called for a stumping chance. Sanga is extremely confident and he is right as replays suggest his foot was on the line, that should be out

19.3 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, quicker delivery on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it to the leg side

19.2 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, tossed up delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it to the off side

19.1 Herath to Hafeez, leg byes, 1 run, drifting into the pads, Hafeez misses out on the clip shot and they sneak a leg bye

18.6 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, excellent delivery from Thissara Perera, lands it on a length and this one jags back in sharply, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes forward, but the late inward movement beats the outside edge

18.6 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, wide, wide outside off stump and moving away slightly, wide signalled, Sanga is not happy with the decision

18.5 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and in the slot for the drive, Misbah-ul-Haq mistimes it to covers

18.4 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, 3 runs, Top shot from the skipper, it was trifle short on the stumps, Hafeez stands tall and whips it off his hips to deep mid wicket, aggressive running gives them three

18.3 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, no run, length delivery outside off and this one holds its line, Hafeez lifts his bat and lets it go

17.4 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, well tossed up outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets well forward and defends it.

17.3 Herath to Hafeez, 1 run, flatter on middle, Hafeez goes back and pushes it to long on for a single

17.2 Herath to Hafeez, no run, darted in onto the off stump, Hafeez cuts it to the point fielder

17.1 Herath to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, tossed up delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq goes back and pulls it to long on for a single

16.6 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez drives it straight to the mid off fielder

16.5 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, FOUR, short of length delivery outside off, Hafeez pulls it in front of square for another boundary. The signs are getting ominous for Sri Lanka, they need to break this stand.

14.6 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, no run, another good delivery from Thissara Perera, gets this one to move away from outside off, Hafeez looks to defend and misses it.

14.5 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery on middle, Hafeez looks to flick, misses it, Sanga dives to his left and collects a good take

14.5 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, wide, full and well wide outside off, Hafeez lets it go through, wide called

14.4 Thissara Perera to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez defends it off the backfoot to cover

14.3 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq plays it uppishly past point to third man for a single

14.2 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, byes, 2 runs, poor effort from Sanga, length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through. Sangakkara fails to collect it and the batsmen get two

14.1 Thissara Perera to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, fuller length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

Thissara Perera, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

13.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, 2 runs, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez punches it off the backfoot past the cover region for a couple

13.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, full and wide outside off, Hafeez gets forward and plays it to point

13.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez gets forward and shoulders arms

13.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, FOUR, crunchy shot from Hafeez, short of length delivery on the body, Hafeez hooks it, remains in control all the time and places it wide of the fine leg fielder for a boundary

13.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, wide, good length delivery down the leg side, Hafeez looks to flick and misses it. Wide called

13.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez looks to defend, it goes the other way and beats the outside edge

13.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez gets on the front foot and defends it

Drinks are on the field now

12.6 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it to point

12.5 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

12.4 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq punches it to the point fielder

12.3 Mathews to Hafeez, 3 runs, good effort from Perera. Full and outside off, Hafeez gets on the front foot, drives it through the cover region. The ball was racing away, but Perera, running in from cover chased it, dived and saved a run for his side

12.2 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez gets on the front foot and defends

12.1 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez gets across and defends it back to the bowler

11.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery nipping into the pads, Misbah-ul-Haq looks to whip it to the leg side, misses it.

11.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, short of length delivery on the body, Misbah-ul-Haq ducks under it.

11.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, wide, back of a length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq watches it go through, wide called, a slightly harsh call from the umpire

11.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and swinging away, Misbah-ul-Haq looks to drive and is beaten

11.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, lucky boundary for Misbah, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq walks across to drive, gets a thick inside edge which runs past the off stump to the fine leg boundary.

11.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it off the backfoot to cover

11.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, 1 run, good length delivery on middle, Hafeez drives it to mid on, the batsmen scamper across for a single

10.6 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, lose delivery and Misbah-ul-Haq gets off the mark. Short outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets back and cuts it behind point, the ball races away to the boundary rope

10.5 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full on off and middle, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it off the front foot

10.4 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Misbah-ul-Haq gets behind the line of the ball and defends

10.3 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq looks to defend, the ball nips away and whizzes past the outside edge

10.2 Mathews to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

10.1 Mathews to Hafeez, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery on middle, Hafeez covers the stumps and plays it to backward square leg for a single

9.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, nips in a hint, Misbah-ul-Haq shoulders arms

9.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets on the front foot to defend, is beaten

9.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it off the front foot to point

9.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

9.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and swinging in, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it off the front foot to mid on

9.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

8.6 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery on off stump, Hafeez goes on the backfoot and pushes it to the leg side

8.5 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez drives it to mid off, wants the single and takes off, Misbah-ul-Haq sends him back, the throw from the fielder was off the mark. Hafeez had already given up!

8.4 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez lets it go through to the keeper

8.3 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, fuller length delivery just outside off, Hafeez gets on the front foot and presents the full face of the bat again

8.2 Mathews to Hafeez, no run, full and wide outside off, Hafeez lets it go through to the keeper

7.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it off the front foot. End of a maiden wicket over from Kulasekara.

7.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, this one is full and swings in sharply, Misbah-ul-Haq gets his bat down in time, gets an inside edge which is intercepted by a short backward square leg fielder

7.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery nipping in, Misbah-ul-Haq gets on the front foot and drives it to cover

7.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Misbah-ul-Haq goes back and defends solidly

7.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length delivery well outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq lets it go through to the keeper

Misbah-ul-Haq, right handed bat, comes to the crease

7.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Younis Khan, out Bowled!! Now that is a ripper!! Length delivery swinging in, perfect seam position, sneaks between bat and pad of Younis Khan as he looks to drive off the front foot. The ball brushes the pads and goes on to hit the top of middle stump. Kula goes on a celebratory run and Pakistan have lost their second wicket. Younis Khan b Nuwan Kulasekara 5(16) [4s-1]

Nuwan Kulasekara to Younis Khan, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

6.6 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, full and outside off, Hafeez pushes it off the front foot to cover

6.5 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez lets it go through to the keeper

6.4 Malinga to Hafeez, FOUR, neatly done, full on the pads, Hafeez flicks it to the deep midwicket boundary. No fielder is stationed there and the ball races across the turf

6.3 Malinga to Younis Khan, 1 run, full and just on off stump, Younis Khan looks to push and gets a thick inside edge to the leg side for a single

6.2 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, full and outside off, Younis Khan drives it back to the bowler

6.1 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, 2 slips and a gully in place, Younis Khan gets a thick outside edge to a fuller length delivery which drops just short of Mahela at second slip

5.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, leg byes, FOUR, poor bowling from Nuwan Kulasekara, inswinger on the pads, it hits the pads and runs down to the fine leg boundary

5.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, full, slow and keeps really low, it was well outside off, Hafeez let it go, it bounces before Sanga can collect it and he is in some pain as he gets a bad bounce

5.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, comes down the track looking to drive, plays it in front of the stumps, Younis Khan is not interested in the single

5.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, wide, short and too high over the batsman's head, wide called

5.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, good length delivery nipping into the pads, Hafeez misses the flick and is hit on the pads

5.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, Hafeez was playing for the in-swinger, it went the other way and he drives feebly at it

4.6 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, another beauty from Malinga, full and swinging away, Younis Khan gets forward to defend and misses it.

4.5 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, short and outside off again, Younis Khan is on his toes as he plays it to cover point

4.4 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, back of a length delivery well outside off, left alone by Younis Khan

4.3 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, full and swinging away from outside off, Younis Khan gets on the front foot and defends it to cover point, Chandimal dives to his left and stops it.

4.2 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, full and wide outside off, Younis Khan plays it with the open face to cover point

4.1 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, good length delivery outside off, Younis Khan defends it off the front foot to cover

3.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez punches it off the backfoot to cover point

3.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, fuller length delivery well outside off, Hafeez drives it to mid off

3.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery nipping in from outside off, Hafeez pushes it back to the bowler

3.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Younis Khan, leg byes, 1 run, on the pads again, again a leg bye for the batsmen as it rolls towards backward square leg

3.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery nipping in from middle stump, Hafeez works it down to backward square leg for a single

3.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, good length delivery on middle, Hafeez pushes it off the backfoot to the leg side

2.6 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, good length delivery outside off again, Younis Khan lets it go through to the keeper

2.5 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Younis Khan gets on the backfoot and pushes it to cover

2.4 Malinga to Younis Khan, FOUR, back of a length delivery outside off, this one moves further away from the off stump, Younis Khan pokes at it, gets a thick outside edge which flies past second slip for another boundary

2.3 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, this one swings away from middle stump across Younis Khan's outside edge as he looks to run it to third man, Malinga is beating the bat consistently

2.2 Malinga to Younis Khan, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Younis Khan gets on the backfoot and pushes it to cover

1.6 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, half volley on middle, Hafeez pushes it past Nuwan Kulasekara, Mathews at mid on comes across to save the single

1.5 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, FOUR, good length delivery outside off, Hafeez flashes at that, gets a thick outside edge which flies past second slip for a boundary. Pakistan are off to a quick start, very unlike their opponents!

1.4 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, goes on the backfoot and pushes a length delivery to the mid on fielder

1.3 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery on middle, Hafeez pushes it off the backfoot to the square leg region

1.2 Nuwan Kulasekara to Hafeez, no run, fuller length delivery nipping into the batsman, Hafeez turns it to the leg side

1.1 Nuwan Kulasekara to Azhar Ali, 3 runs, back of a length delivery outside off, Azhar Ali drives it off the backfoot through the backward point region and comes back for three

Nuwan Kulasekara, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, ripper to end the over, full and swinging away a hint from off stump, Hafeez looks to drive and is beaten all ends up.

0.5 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery and wide outside off again, Hafeez lets this one go through as well

0.4 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, full and well outside off, Hafeez lets it go through to the keeper

0.3 Malinga to Hafeez, FOUR, lovely timing from Hafeez, short and outside off, Hafeez gets on top of it and drives it through cover for a boundary.

0.2 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Hafeez plays it to the slips

0.1 Malinga to Hafeez, no run, fuller length delivery on middle, Hafeez plays it to cover

Hafeez and Azhar Ali are at the crease. Hafeez is on strike. Malinga will open the attack

Welcome back. The revised target is 135. Malinga to start

Sri Lanka end up with 135 on a difficult wicket and their bowlers will have something to bowl at. Rain interuppted proceedings thrice on a day where Sri Lanka struggled to get going. Pakistani bowlers struck to their guns and despite conceeding 31 extras, were on the mark. Only Thirimanne put up a resistance and his 42 was the reason why Sri Lanka could cross 100. Make no mistake, this is going to be a difficult ask for Pakistan. Join us for the chase in ten minutes.

41.6 Sami to Thirimanne, FOUR, ends the innings with a thrashing stroke. Short and outside off, Thirimanne smashes it to deep extra cover for a boundary. Sri Lanka end up with 135 on a difficult wicket and their bowlers will have something to bowl at.

41.5 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Thirimanne looks to play the big shot, misses it

Rangana Herath, left handed bat, comes to the crease

41.4 Sami to Nuwan Kulasekara, out Caught by Tanvir!! Finally a Pakistan fielder manages to hold onto one. Short and outside off, Nuwan Kulasekara had no option but to go for it, gets a thick outside edge which flies into the air and Tanvir at third man gets under it cleanly. That's the end of Kulasekara's torrid stay at the crease. Nuwan Kulasekara c Tanvir b Sami 18(46)

Sami to Nuwan Kulasekara, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

41.3 Sami to Thirimanne, 1 run, short of length delivery outside off, Thirimanne makes room and cracks it straight to sweeper cover for a single

41.2 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, similar delivery, similar shot from Thirimanne and similar result, 4 more balls to go.

41.1 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, short of length delivery angled across Thirimanne, he lets it go through, thinking that the umpire would stretch out his hands. He doesn't and that's a dot

Mohammad Sami [5.0-2-14-2] is back into the attack

40.6 Tanvir to Thirimanne, 1 run, heaves a slower delivery from off stump to deep midwicket for a single

40.5 Tanvir to Thirimanne, 2 runs, another dropped chance, this time by Umar Gul. Short and outside off, Thirimanne mistimes the pull, gets a top edge which goes high into the air, Gul at short fine leg comes under it and drops an easy chance. The players in the dug out are embarassed.

40.4 Tanvir to Thirimanne, 2 runs, full and just outside off, Thirimanne fails to time the big shot well, it rolls down to Sami at long off, makes a mess of it and the batsmen pick two

40.3 Tanvir to Thirimanne, no run, yorker length delivery well outside off, Thirimanne looks to run it down to third man, misses it

40.2 Tanvir to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, short of length delivery on middle, Nuwan Kulasekara mistimes the pull over the bowler, for just a single

40.1 Tanvir to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, slower yorker on middle, Nuwan Kulasekara digs it out, he looks for the single, while the ball almost trickles onto the stumps, No single taken as Tanvir was quick on his follow through

Sohail Tanvir [7.0-0-24-0] is back into the attack

39.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, yorker on middle, Thirimanne looks to swing across the line, misses it completely

39.5 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, flatter on middle, Nuwan Kulasekara sits down and sweeps it to deep midwicket for a single

39.4 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, slants this across Nuwan Kulasekara, he tries to run it down to third man, misses it

39.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Thirimanne smashes it down the ground to long on for a single

39.2 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, tossed up straighter delivery on middle, Nuwan Kulasekara comes down the track, flicks it to square leg for a single

39.1 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, drops the ball short as Thirimanne comes down the track, Thirimanne plays it square of the wicket for a single

Saeed Ajmal [4.0-0-19-0] is back into the attack

38.6 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, short of length delivery on leg stump, Nuwan Kulasekara looks to pull and misses it.

38.5 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, fuller length delivery on the leg stump, Thirimanne drives it down to long on for a single

38.4 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, Tanvir drops a sitter! Back of a length delivery outside off, Nuwan Kulasekara makes room and times the cut really well, it goes straight to Tanvir at third man who takes it, but then spills it. Gul was not at all impressed. Poor effort indeed

38.3 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, 2 runs, good length delivery outside off, Nuwan Kulasekara makes room and smacks it over the cover fielder, the batsmen come back for the second

38.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, slower delivery on the pads, Thirimanne works it to backward square leg for a single

38.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, wide, short and down the leg side, Thirimanne looks to pull, misses, wide called.

Play has resumed. Two bowlers can bowl a maximum of 9 overs and three can bowl 8

7:41 PM : The official news from the centre is that this game has been reduced to 42 overs a side. Play will begin in 10 minutes.

7 30 PM: Rameez Raja on Twitter has said that the covers are coming off now. Play is expected to start in 15-20 minutes.

Innocent Bystander has tweeted: Assuming that this is the end of Lankas innings, DL targets are 82 (20 ov), 94 (25 ov), 105 (30 ov) or 118 off 37 overs.

6:57 PM The latest news from Pallekele is that rain is back and the covers are still on the pitch.

6:40 PM The latest news is that the covers are coming off in Pallekele.

6:30 PM: Covers are back onto the field. It has begun to rain again.

36.6 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, good length delivery nipping in, Nuwan Kulasekara pushes it back to the bowler

36.5 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, short of length delivery nipping in, Nuwan Kulasekara gets back and pushes it back to the bowler

36.4 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, just short of the fielder at point. Once again extra bit of bounce for Gul, Nuwan Kulasekara looks to play it uppishly, it lobs up towards point, just short of a diving Umar Akmal

36.3 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, this one is a ripper! Effort ball from Gul, pitches this on a length and gets it to bounce, what's more it nips right across Nuwan Kulasekara who was looking to defend and misses it

36.2 Umar Gul to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, short of length delivery nipping in again, Nuwan Kulasekara looks to whip it onto the leg side, misses it again

35.6 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, tossed up on the pads from around the wicket, Nuwan Kulasekara nudges it to fine leg for a single

35.5 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, gets well forwards and pushes this straight delivery to short midwicket for a single

35.4 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, goes deep into the crease and taps it to the square leg region, Afridi was the fielder and that causes a bit of doubt in Nuwan Kulasekara's mind, he stutters, but finally makes it

35.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, tossed up on the pads, Thirimanne turns it to midwicket region for a single

35.2 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, tossed up on the off stump, Thirimanne gets a good stride forward and defends it to the man at cover

35.1 Ajmal to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, pushed through on middle and leg, Nuwan Kulasekara tucks it away to short fine leg

The batting powerplay has been taken

34.6 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, loopy on the stumps, Kula drives it to long on for one

34.6 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, 5 wides, wayward. Fired in fast down the leg side, no chance for the keeper and 5 more extras to the total. That brings up the 100 as well for Sri Lanka

34.5 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, poor ball but he gets away, short and wide outside off, Kulasekara cuts it to point

34.4 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, solid defence, finally he picks it up perfectly and blocks solidly

34.3 Shahid Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, lots of flight on that one, Thirimanne yorks himself and drives it to long off for a single

34.2 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, fuller and straighter, Kula drives it to long on

34.1 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, given air outside off, Kulasekara pokes and misses. How many times has Afridi beaten him today?

33.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, in and around off, Thirimanne cuts it straight to point

33.5 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, edged but just short of slip! Pokes at one outside off and gets a thick edge which falls in front of the fielder

33.4 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, fired in around off, Thirimanne cuts it staight to point

33.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, given air on the off, Thirimanne leans and blocks

33.2 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, slows it up and gets it to turn, Thirimanne tries to repeat the shot and misses

33.1 Ajmal to Thirimanne, FOUR, something to cheer for the Sri Lankan fans - a boundary at last! Width on offer and Thirimanne slashes at it, gets it past short third man for four

Saeed Ajmal [2.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

32.6 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, a bit too short, Kulasekara has enough time to work it to the on side off the backfoot

32.5 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, beaten. Once again Afridi troubles Kulasekara with turn and bounce, he looks to defend but is beaten

32.4 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, slow and stump to stump, Kulasekara leans and pushes it back to the bowler

32.3 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, 2 runs, good shot for a couple, comes on the frontfoot and drives one to deep extra cover region, wide of the fielder for 2

32.2 Shahid Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, given air on the off, Thirimanne works it to deep mid wicket for a single

32.1 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, finally Afridi concedes a single, Kula looks to run one down to third man but gets an inside edge to fine leg, he has been hard to pick today - Afridi

31.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, fired in outside off, Thirimanne cuts it straight to point, that ends Hafeez's spell: 10-3-20-2. His 3rd most economical spell.

31.5 Hafeez to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, flighted up on middle, Kulasekara comes on the frontfoot and drills it to long on

31.4 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, this one comes in with the angle, Thirimanne goes on the backfoot and punches it to mid wicket

31.3 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, turn and bounce! Slowly tossed up on the off, turns away off the pitch and goes past Thirimanne's attempted drive

31.2 Hafeez to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, slow and straight, Kula drives it to long on for one

31.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, finally they score a run, comes on the frontfoot and drives it to long off for a single

30.6 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, third maiden over in a row, ends with a gentle push towards point

30.5 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, floated outside off, Kula drives it to extra cover, the fielder dives and keeps up the pressure, good effort

30.4 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, an appeal for an lbw and then a catch, but the final decision is not out. A bit of turn and it goes off the pads to the man at slip, it was hitting him too high on the pads

30.3 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, beaten by a beauty! very similar to the last ball of his first over, Kula plays for the turn but is beaten by a straighter one

30.2 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, lots of flight on this one, Kulasekara gets forward and drives it to extra cover

30.1 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, loopy delivery on the off, Kula comes on the frontfoot and blocks

29.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, slowly tossed up outside off, Thirimanne reaches out and looks to slog sweep but misses, another maiden over

29.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flighted up outside off, Thirimanne pushes it to the off side

29.4 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, fired in from wide of the crease, Thirimanne defends

29.3 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, not too short but Thirimanne looks to cut, mishits it straight to extra cover

29.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, more air on this one, Thirimanne comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to the off side

29.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, catch dropped by Sarfraz Ahmed. In and around off again, Thirimanne gets a thin edge as he looks to cut but the keeper can't hold on

28.6 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, ends a maiden over with a beauty of a delivery, slows it up and gets it to turn off the track, Kulasekara looks to defend but is beaten by the spin

28.5 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, quicker one around off, Kulasekara stays back and punches it to point

28.4 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, fired in once again, Kulasekara looks to defend but is hit high on the pad

28.3 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, risky but brave leave, this was the faster one that drifts in with the angle, Kulasekara lets it go but that was very close to the off stump

28.2 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, a bit more flight and a lot fuller, Kula leans and defends it

28.1 Shahid Afridi to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, starts with a short one on the off, Kulasekara goes on the backfoot and blocks

Shahid Afridi, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

27.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flighted up around middle stump, Thirimanne leans and defends it

27.5 Hafeez to Nuwan Kulasekara, 1 run, stump to stump, Kulasekara drills it to long on for a single

27.4 Hafeez to Nuwan Kulasekara, no run, flat and turning in, Kulasekara stays back and blocks

Nuwan Kulasekara, right handed bat, comes to the crease

27.3 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, out Lbw!! Reward for some tight bowling. But wait, he has got a big inside edge on that one! Unlucky for Perera, but it's good variations from Hafeez though. After the big off spinner, he gets this to skid on with the angle, Perera defends with some gap between bat and pad, gets an inside edge which hits him on the back pad. Perera is understandably not too impressed with the decision. Thissara Perera lbw b Hafeez 17(33) [4s-1]

Hafeez to Thissara Perera, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

27.2 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, superb delivery, gets it to turn a long way after pitching on off, Perera leans and looks to block but is beaten by the turn

27.1 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, 2 runs, good shot but good fielding as well, Perera whips it strongly between midwicket and long on, Afridi runs across and bends to save a couple

26.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, pauses before delivering and bowls it a touch slower, Thirimanne waits and pushes it back to the bowler

26.5 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, 1 run, loopy delivery on the off, Perera drills it to long off for one

26.4 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, 2 runs, the straighter one from Ajmal, skids on after pitching as Perera works it to deep mid wicket

26.3 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, no run, wants the single but doesn't get it, defends it softly to covers and sets off but is sent back by his partner

26.2 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, no run, quicker one on the off, Perera leans and defends it

26.1 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, slowly flighted around off, Thirimanne waits and guides it past backward point for a single

25.6 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, angled in to the pads again, Perera looks to play across and gets hit on the pads

25.5 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, a sout for lbw but it's not given. Once again skids on after pitching and strikes him on the backfoot, but it would have gone down with the angle

25.4 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, a bit of drift into the left hander, Perera comes on the frontfoot and pushes it back to the bowler

25.3 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, flatter and just outside off, Thirimanne stays back and cuts it to deep backward point

25.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, given air on the off, Thirimanne drives it to cover

25.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flat delivery on the off, Thirimanne pushes it to extra cover

24.6 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, no run, half volley around off, Perera whips it hard but straight to mid on

24.5 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, pushed through around off, Thirimanne stays back and pushes it to deep mid wicket

24.4 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, 1 run, quick single, works this one straight to mid on and sets off, the fielder was a bit slow and conceded the single

24.3 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, no run, slowly tossed up on the off, Perera leans and defends

24.2 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, no run, given air outside off, Perera looks to push away from the body but misses

24.1 Ajmal to Thissara Perera, FOUR, lucky start after the break for Sri Lanka, Perera had no clue about this one and got a thick ourtside edge to third man, Umar Akmal gives chase and slides near the deep in vain

17:45 We're about to start again. Ajmal will have a bowl straightaway..

Rameez Raja has tweeted that there will be no reduction in number of overs. We'll wait for the official news though..

17:35 Better news. The rain has stopped and the covers are off. Play should resume in a while..

17:25 Bad news - the covers are coming back on now!

17:15 The covers are coming off, so let's hope for better news soon..

17:00 The rain has become heavier and we're in for another delay. The covers are on, so the hide and seek game continues..

23.6 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, 1 run, more flight on this one, Perera drives it to long off

23.5 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, fired in down the leg side, Perera misses the defence and is hit on the pads

23.4 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, wants the quick single but is sent back, Perera pushes this to the off side and sets off, Thirimanne isn't interested

22.6 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, an absolute beauty of a ball! Thirimanne was playing for the in-swinger but it went away, pitches on off and nips away sharply past Thirimanne's lame poke

22.5 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, good length around off, Thirimanne stays in the crease and defends it

22.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, almost a run out! Gul slants this onto the pads, it hits the thigh and rolls to the on side, Thissara Perera charges across for a single but is sent back. A direct hit would have had him there..

From round the stumps now..

22.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, wide, sprayed down the leg side this time, welcome extra run for Sri Lanka

22.3 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, stump to stump this time, Thirimanne defends it back to Gul

22.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, beaten. Once again in corridor of uncertainty outside off, Thirimanne pokes and misses

22.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, starts with a back of a length delivery on the off, Thirimanne stays back and blocks

Umar Gul [6.0-1-13-3] is back into the attack

21.6 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, pushed through outside off, Perera pats it to point

21.5 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, flighted delivery on the off, defended to the off side

21.4 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, a muted appeal for lbw but that hit the bat. A quicker one on the off, Perera gets an inside edge onto the pads, the edge saved him there

21.3 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, 2 runs, good stuff from Perera, works it between deep mid and long on and collects a couple, they should look to do more of this

21.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, loopy around off, Thirimanne drills it to long off

21.1 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, 1 run, given air on the off, Perera comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to long off

20.6 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, an accurate bouncer to end the over, Thirimanne ducks under it

20.5 Sami to Thirimanne, 2 runs, good running, works this past mid wicket, runs the first one hard and gets the second easily

20.4 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, short of length and nipping in, Thirimanne drops it softly to the off side, won't get the single though

Sami is having some problems in gripping the ball. Once again it slips out of his hands and goes towards the square leg umpire..

20.3 Sami to Thissara Perera, 1 run, slow off cutter on the legs, Perera works across the line but gets a thick outside edge to third man, it was in the air for a while but safe as well

20.2 Sami to Thissara Perera, no run, short of length and around off, Perera blocks it to the off side

20.1 Sami to Thissara Perera, no run, beaten. Pitches on middle and nips in, goes through the gate as Perera looks to defend

That ends the powerplay overs. No power from Sri Lanka though, all the action came from Pakistan.

19.6 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, leg byes, 1 run, looks to flick but only manages a leg bye to the on side

19.5 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, floated around off, Perera works it to the on side

19.4 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, pushed through the air quickly, Perera blocks solidly

19.3 Hafeez to Thissara Perera, no run, flat and turning away, Thissara Perera stretches and pushes it to backward point

Thissara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease

19.2 Hafeez to Tharanga, out Bowled!! What kind of a shot was that? They had lost half the side, there was just a rain delay and Tharanga plays the worst shot of the match in this situation! Comes down the track and slogs across wildly, misses a harmless straight delivery and is cleaned up. The coach will not be too impressed with that effort from Tharanga - he should have done better. Tharanga b Hafeez 10(27) [4s-1]

Hafeez to Tharanga, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

19.1 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, tossed up on the off, defended to covers

18.6 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, ends the over with a tight delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne waits back and blocks

18.5 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Thirimanne stays back and blocks it to point, he wants a single but doesn't get it

18.4 Sami to Tharanga, 1 run, hard hit for a single. Width on offer again and Tharanga drives it well but straight to sweeper cover, good fielding keeps it to one

18.3 Sami to Tharanga, FOUR, poor ball. Too short and too wide outside off, Tharanga reaches out and cuts it wide of backward point, no chance for the fielder at third man as well

18.2 Sami to Tharanga, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Tharanga looks to cut but chops it to the off side

Sami loses control of the ball as it slips out of his hands. Straight from his hand to the square leg umpire!

18.1 Sami to Thirimanne, 1 run, quick single, pushes this to mid off and runs across, a quicker fielder may have had him in trouble but he survives

17.6 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, stump to stump stuff, Tharanga tucks it to the on side

17.5 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, flights it up around off, Tharanga gets forward and blocks

16:34 We're about to start. No overs have been lost.

16:14 Covers are coming off. Play should resume soon..

Looks like it will only be a short break. The rain has stopped, so expect the covers to be off soon.

Heavy rain now. The players are walking off the field. The groundsmen are extremely quick as well, so kudos to them. Sri Lanka will not mind the break at all! And looks like the Sri Lankan crowd doesn't mind it as well - they're dancing around in the rain!

17.4 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, lots of flight on that one, Tharanga yorks himself and digs it out to the on side

17.3 Hafeez to Tharanga, 2 runs, pushed through the air around off, Tharanga punches hard and gets a thick outside edge to third man, a couple brings up Sri Lanka's half century

17.2 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, slower through the air on the off stump line, Tharanga blocks to the off side

17.1 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, flat and just outside off, Tharanga square drives it to point

What's the best way to play in a situation like this? Counter-attack, or fight through the tough times with defensive batting?

16.6 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length and nipping in, Thirimanne clips it to the on side

16.5 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, Sami brings it closer to the off stump and makes him play, Thirimanne defends it back to him

16.4 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, once again left alone by Thirimanne, he is showing a lot of patience here

16.3 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, a bit of extra bounce in the outside off area, left alone again

16.2 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, in and around off stump again, Thirimanne shoulders arms

16.1 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, full and outside off, Thirimanne drives away from the body but the ball moves in and goes through the gate to the keeper

15.6 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, pushed through the air quickly, Tharanga taps it to the on side, another good over from Hafeez ends

15.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, tucks it off his hips to square leg region for a single

15.4 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flighted delivery on the off, Thirimanne defends to the on side

15.3 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, the slider that skids on, Thirimanne goes back quickly and keeps it away

15.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 2 runs, tossed up on the off, Thirimanne comes on the frontfoot and drives it wide of long off for a couple

Forget 160.. can Sri Lanka get to 100? The bowling powerplay has been taken.

14.6 Sami to Tharanga, no run, full and outside off again, Tharanga drives away from the body and gets an inside edge

14.5 Sami to Thirimanne, 3 runs, good shot to get off the mark. Pitched up outside off, Thirimanne leans and pushes it past extra cover, runs well to make it 3

14.5 Sami to Thirimanne, wide, that's harsh. Full and angled across Thirimanne who lets it go, it was just inside the indicator line..

14.4 Sami to Thirimanne, no run, very full and just outside off, Thirimanne blocks it to the off side

Lahiru Thirimanne, left handed bat, comes to the crease

14.3 Sami to Mathews, out Caught by Misbah-ul-Haq!! Wickets, wickets and more wickets! Good bowling this, fast and full around off, Mathews was stuck in the crease and pushed hard at it, only managed an outside edge that's taken well at 1st slip by the captain himself. Sri Lanka are 41-5, and 21 off those have come in extras! Mathews c Misbah-ul-Haq b Sami 0(5)

Sami to Mathews, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Mohandas Menon tweets: Mohd Sami last played an ODI on 20-5-2007, while missing 111 ODIs for Pak in between claims a wicket off his 4th ball!

14.3 Sami to Mathews, wide, well kept, full and down the leg side, Sarfraz Ahmed dives across and saves a certain boundary

14.1 Sami to Mathews, no run, fuller length on the off, Mathews leans and defends it to the off side

13.6 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, tossed up generously, Tharanga looks to drive but drags it back. A maiden over to start with for Hafeez

13.5 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, same routine stuff from Hafeez, maintains it around off and Tharanga blocks

13.4 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, flat and straight, Tharanga works it to the on side

13.3 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, good delivery, gets this to spin away a touch, Tharanga gets an outside edge towards point as he blocks

13.2 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, a bit more flight on this one, Tharanga defends again

13.1 Hafeez to Tharanga, no run, starts with a flat delivery on the off, Tharanga gets forward and defends it

Mohammad Hafeez, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

12.6 Sami to Mathews, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Mathews stays back and blocks it. 5 runs off the over but it goes down as a wicket-maiden for Sami

12.5 Sami to Mathews, no run, good length and just outside off, Mathews gets forward and blocks

Angelo Mathews, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field now

12.4 Sami to Sangakkara, out Lbw!! First impression: was that going down the leg? A good delivery from Sami though - a pacy yorker that swings in, hits Sangakkara right on the boot in front of leg stump and the umpire raises his finger almost instantly. Sangakkara isn't impressed with the decision, he thinkg it would have missed leg, but it's a relief for Sami. Sangakkara's fight ends. Sangakkara lbw b Sami 9(31) [4s-1]

Sami to Sangakkara, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

12.3 Sami to Sangakkara, leg byes, FOUR, poor delivery - sprays it on the legs and goes off the pads to fine leg for four, these runs don't go to the bowler's account!

12.2 Sami to Sangakkara, no run, pitched up on the off, Sangakkara comes on the frontfoot and blocks it

12.1 Sami to Tharanga, leg byes, 1 run, starts with one on the legs, goes off the pads to fine leg for a single

11.6 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length and outside off, Sangakkara covers the line and leaves

11.5 Tanvir to Sangakkara, FOUR, good shot. That's the first boundary of the innings! Marginally short and a bit wide outside off, Sangakkara waits back and cuts it to deep backward point for four. He took his time but is looking much better now

11.4 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length and outside off, Sangakkara stays back and defends it to the off side

11.3 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, that's a brave leave! Very very close to the off stump, that. Pitches outside off but nips in sharply, misses the off stump by a whisker

11.2 Tanvir to Tharanga, 3 runs, another 3, good shot again. COmes forward and punches on the up, hits it wide of mid off and collects 3 more

11.1 Tanvir to Sangakkara, 3 runs, pitched up outside off, Sangakkara leans into the drive and places it wide of backward point, not timed well enough to get a boundary but he'll get 3

10.6 Umar Gul to Tharanga, no run, beaten by a beauty! Good length and drawing the batsman forward, Tharanga is lured into a defensive stroke but is beaten by the late movement, superb delivery!

10.4 Umar Gul to Tharanga, no run, good length and nipping in to the leg stump, Tharanga defends to the on side

10.3 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, 1 run, back of a length and just outside off, Sangakkara guides it to point, Hafeez dives to his right and fields well

10.2 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, good tight bowling on the stumps, Sangakkara defends it

10.1 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, short of length and just outside off, Sangakkara leaves it alone

9.6 Tanvir to Tharanga, no run, from round the stumps and outside off, Tharanga defends it to the off side

9.5 Tanvir to Sangakkara, 1 run, finally Sangakkara gets off the mark, that should make him feel better. Stays back and guides one to third man, 1 off 20 balls now

9.4 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, he wants to get off the mark but has to wait, blocks this to the off side and searches for the single but Tharanga sends him back

9.3 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, pressure on Sangakkara is telling, chases this wide delivery outside off and misses one, he is yet to get off the mark and that's adding to the pressure

9.2 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Sangakkara stays back and blocks

9.1 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, beaten, this is too good from Pakistan but credit to Sangakkara for fighting it out, full and moving away, Sangakkara pokes at it and misses

8.6 Umar Gul to Tharanga, no run, this one moves the other way, pitches on leg and seams away, squares him up and hits him on the pads. Superb bowling this

8.5 Umar Gul to Tharanga, no run, a huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. That surely hit something, was it the bat? I think it did. Tharanga is lucky to survive this one! Superb delivery again, pitches on length and nips in, Tharanga defends tentatively, gets a thin inside edge that goes off the pads to the keeper. Gul should have got 2 in 2..

Upul Tharanga, left handed bat, comes to the crease

8.4 Umar Gul to Chandimal, out Bowled!! Chandimal's struggle ends and Pakistan's pacers continue to impress. Nothing special about the delivery but the consistency of bowling in good areas around off has given Gul his 3rd wicket. Back of length and just outside off, Chandimal tries to cut away from the body but only manages an inside edge onto the stumps. Chandimal b Umar Gul 0(9)

Umar Gul to Chandimal, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

8.3 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, an appeal for lbw but the impact was outside off, Chandimal was looking to defend outside the off stump line but missed and got hit on the pads

8.2 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, beaten. Better from Gul, goes back to the outside off zone, Chandimal pokes away from the body but fails to connect

8.2 Umar Gul to Chandimal, 5 wides, second time he has done that it 2 overs, gets it to swing in sharply but bowls it down the leg side, once again the keeper had no chance and the result was 5 wides

6.6 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, length delivery on off, Chandimal comes on the frontfoot and defends it

6.5 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, back of a length and nipping in, Chandimal looks to work it to the on side but gets hit high on the pads

6.4 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, full and outside off, Chandimal leans forward in defence

6.3 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, better line and length, just outside off in the corridor of uncertainty, Chandimal leaves

6.3 Umar Gul to Chandimal, 5 wides, short of length and moving in sharply, Chandimal misses it and so does the keeper. Gul apologises immediately, that's a wayward gift

There is some rain in the air now..

6.2 Umar Gul to Chandimal, no run, good delivery to the new batsman, pitches on off and nips away, Chandimal gets an outside edge towards gully

Dinesh Chandimal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

6.1 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, out Lbw!! Mahela is gone now! He was lucky in the last over but not so much this time. Gul lands this on off and gets it to seam in, Mahela was caught on the crease and trapped in front of middle stump as he tried to block. Going down the leg side maybe? Doesn't matter, the skipper has to go. Mahela Jayawardene lbw b Umar Gul 3(20)

Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

5.6 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, finally the over ends, Sangakkara defends one back to the bowler and completes it

5.5 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, in and around off stump line again, Sangakkara blocks with a straight bat

5.4 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, swings in sharply from outside off, Sangakkara stays back and defends it

5.4 Tanvir to Sangakkara, wide, another wide down the leg side, would have been a great delivery to a right hander but Sangakkara is not one

5.4 Tanvir to Sangakkara, wide, back of a length and angled in down the leg side, another extra

5.3 Tanvir to Sangakkara, no run, in and around off, Sangakkara lets it go

5.2 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, and Mahela is caught off the free hit! Tanvir has his hands on his head, he still can't believe his luck. Short ball on the stump, Mahela looks to pull but gets a top edge towards mid on, caught, but not out.

5.2 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no ball, Tanvir gets his reward! Or wait, are they checking for the no ball? Yes! It looks like a no ball. That's hard on Tanvir but he has only himself to blame. It was a superb delivery too - pitched on leg, nipped away, squared Mahela and took the edge to the keeper. He did everything right, except the fact that he overstepped..

5.1 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, length ball on off, Mahela blocks it to the off side

4.6 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, a huge appeal for lbw but that pitched outside leg. Sangakkara was trapped pretty plumb on the backfoot but that pitched just outside the line..

4.5 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, short of length delivery on the middle stump channel, Sangakkara defends off his backfoot

4.4 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, full and nipping away, Sangakkara lets it go

4.3 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, tight stuff from the bowler again, Sangakkara comes on the frontfoot and defends it

4.2 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, stump to stump delivery first up, Sangakkara goes on the backfoot and blocks

Kumar Sangakkara, left handed bat, comes to the crease

4.1 Umar Gul to Dilshan, out Caught by Ajmal!! Poor shot. Dilshan's luck runs out. This was a back of a length delivery on the middle stump line, Dilshan stands in his crease and looks to heave it over mid wicket, ends up with a mistimed shot that goes straight to mid on. Easy catch for Ajmal, it's humanly impossible to drop those. Hafeez will be relieved. Dilshan c Ajmal b Umar Gul 5(9)

Umar Gul to Dilshan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

3.6 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, Mahela is tentative against Tanvir again, once again pokes his bat at the outside off zone and gets beaten

3.5 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, peach of a delivery! Absolutely unplayable - pitches on middle stump and moves away sharply, Mahela was squared up and beaten by the huge movement

3.4 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, length ball on off, Mahela comes on the frontfoot and blocks

3.4 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, wide, that's a very harsh call by the umpire. That was well within the wide indicator line but he has called it. Mahela backed away to make room and missed out on an expansive drive, Tanvir is understandably not impressed with the ball

3.3 Tanvir to Dilshan, 1 run, quick single, pats this softly to mid off region, calls early and gets it easily

3.2 Tanvir to Dilshan, 2 runs, fuller length on the off, Dilshan punches it off the frontfoot wide of mid off, runs well to make it 2

3.1 Tanvir to Dilshan, no run, a bit of outswing for Tanvir in the outside off channel, Dilshan leaves it alone

2.6 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, swing and a miss. Short and wide outside off, Mahela looks to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce

2.5 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, an appeal for lbw but that was an optimistic shout. Nips in after pitching and hits Mahela high on the pads, that would have gone down the leg side and over the stumps as well

2.4 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, more solid stuff at the other end from Mahela, goes on the backfoot and blocks one properly

2.3 Umar Gul to Dilshan, 1 run, Dilshan is living dangerously, he looks to whip this one off his pads but gets a thick outside edge that flies to third man, on the bounce to the fielder

2.2 Umar Gul to Dilshan, no run, back of a length around off, Dilshan pushes it to the off side

2.1 Umar Gul to Dilshan, no run, catch dropped by Hafeez. He made it look difficult but that should have been taken at this level. Dilshan drives this wide one on the up towards cover, Hafeez mistimed his jump and spilled a relatively easy chance, he did try to go for the catch on the second attempt but he had no chance there. A lucky break for Dilshan early in his innings

1.6 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, good stuff again, a bit of bounce in the outside off channel as Mahela lets it go

1.5 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, good delivery, pitches on good length and seams away, Mahela pokes his bat at it and misses

1.4 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, short of length and moving away, Mahela shoulders arms

1.3 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, good length again, Mahela respects it and blocks

1.2 Tanvir to Dilshan, 1 run, Dilshan goes for his shots immediately, throws his bat at this full delivery and gets a thick edge to third man

1.1 Tanvir to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, Tanvir starts with a length delivery on the stumps, Mahela guides it to third man for one

Sohail Tanvir, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Umar Gul to Dilshan, no run, good delivery to end the over, pitches on off and nips in, Dilshan had no clue about that one and got hit high on the pad

0.5 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, off the mark now, drops it softly to the off side and sets off, Dilshan responds and they make it easily

0.4 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, Gul continues to keep it in and around off, Mahela continues to defend. This is a good start from Gul

0.2 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, good tight areas around off again, Mahela stands tall and defends it

0.1 Umar Gul to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, starts with an accurate delivery on the stumps, Mahela stays back and blocks

We're set for action. 2 slips in place.. play!

Mahela Jayawardene and Dilshan are at the crease. Mahela Jayawardene is on strike. Umar Gul will open the attack

Pitch report: The pitch is a good one and it has even covering of grass. The ball might spin under the lights. This is a bat first wicket. The average score at this ground is around 200 and the highest score chased in this ground is 193.

Misbah: I'm happy with the way the team played in the T20 series. Conditions look good but it rained in the last 2-3 days, the wicket was under cover. We aren't too sure about a par score, it would have been a difficult task had I won the toss.

Mahela: It's a good wicket and runs on the board will be a crucial factor. We haven't played much ODI cricket here, but we think about 160 will be a good score. Herath is the only spinner in the side, we have 7 batsmen. Angelo Mathews makes a huge difference, it's good to see him fit.

Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to bat

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It's hard to judge the form of the teams - they shared honours in the two match T20 series and their recent ODI record has been mixed. Sri Lanka were terrific in the CB series in Australia, but horrible in the Asia Cup. Pakistan were exactly the opposite - they lost the ODI series to England but emerged champions in the Asia Cup. Who will get off to a winning start today? Stay tuned to find out..

Preview by Siddharth Prabhakar

A battle between Pakistan and Sri Lanka always has something in store for the connoisseurs of the game. Quality spin bowling, dogged yet classy strokeplay and tense, last ball finishes have come to become something of a regular whenever these two Asian countries meet in the shorter format of the games. The 2 match T20 series was no different with hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan winning a game each. Both were low-scoring affairs and showcased evenly matched sides. Nothing different is expected when the two sides clash in the first of the 5 match ODI series which begins on June 7th in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka

Since finishing as runners-up on the night of April 2nd 2011, Sri Lanka's form in ODI cricket has tapered off a bit. Other than the CB series in Australia, where they made the finals at the expense of India, their form in the ODIs against Pakistan in UAE and the Asia Cup has been really poor. The margin of defeat is also something that will play on their minds: 4-1 in UAE and defeats against all 3 teams in the Asia Cup. Much of this can be attributed to the constant change in captaincy as well as the squad over the last year. However, under Mahela Jayawardene, the team is progressing towards being a more settled outfit and the growth of captain-in-waiting Angelo Mathews is a sign of good things to come. Other youngsters like Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne and off-spinner Sachitra Senanayake have excelled in the CB series and the selectors will be looking at them keenly. As far as the 2 T20s is concerned, except in-form allrounder Thissara Perera, no other player made a mark. The batsmen struggled against Pakistan's potent mix of spin and pace and were bowled out for a paltry 99 in the second game. Given the fact that experienced cricketing brains like Kumar Sangakkara and Jayawardene are in their midst, they will look to rectify the mistakes and come hard at Pakistan and hope to avenge the defeat in the ODIs in UAE

Pakistan

Currently, in international cricket, if there is one team which is THE team to beat, it is Pakistan. Over the past year or so, starting from the World Cup, they have shown that they can be invincible. Probably the only ODI side which has an impressive mix of pacers like Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema and spinners like Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal, their Achilles heel is the brittle middle order. They are heavily dependent on the 'Professor' Mohammad Hafeez and Younis Khan to give them a solid start. Youngsters like Ahmad Shehzad, Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal have shown that Pakistan's future has potential, but their consistency leaves much to be desired. In the first T20 against Sri Lanka, the side was bowled out for a paltry 95. Shoaib Malik, who has been the biggest investment of the Pakistani selectors, hasn't delivered and more often than not, too much is left for the redoubtable Shahid Afridi to do. They were handed out a solid thrashing by the England in UAE, where they lost 4-0, but as has been the case with the 92 World Cup Champions, they bounced back in time to clinch the Asia Cup. This is coach Dav Whatmore's first assignment and it will be interesting to see what tricks he employs against a country whom he helped win the 96 World Cup.